Reinforcement of Aramid fiber with bagasse epoxy bio-degradable composite: investigations on mechanical properties and surface morphology

Abstract

In this paper, the dynamic mechanical and tailored morphological behaviour of Aramid fiber (AF) treated with bagasse/epoxy (BG/E) resin, a bio-degradable composite, was investigated. Bio-degradable composite with homogeneous microstructures were fabricated using hand lay-up technique with untreated bagasse/epoxy matrix and treated 5% Aramid fiber with bagasse/epoxy resin (BG/E). Three different types of composites with different BG to epoxy (40:60, 50:50, and 60:40) ratios were prepared. Dynamic mechanical properties like tensile, flexural and impact strength of untreated and treated composites have been investigated. The SEM monograph of the treated surface BG/E composite has shown the enhanced fiber–matrix interaction. Nanostructures were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). FTIR studies confirmed the hydrogen bonding between Aramid fiber and BG/E matrix. Treated fiber composites have enhanced dynamic mechanical properties compared to those of untreated fiber-based composites. DFT studies revealed that hydrogen bonds are accountable for keeping multiple fiber strands. Keywords: Dynamic mechanical analysis, Aramid fibers (AF), Baggase/epoxy composite, SEM